The Trans Cuenca 6 days Assisted Tour is a magnificent exploration of the province of Cuenca, together with an Assistance Vehicle. Starting from the capital, the circular route takes in the main attractions of the area. Thus, you will ride through a large number of places of interest: from the Lagunas de las Cañadas del Hoyo to the Callejones de la Majadas; or from the spectacular Source of the Río Cuervo to the Torcas or the wonderful Uña reservoir. In the context of the Serranía de Cuenca, full of deer, fallow deer, you will discover a landscape of impressive forests, enormous forests. The route will not disappoint you.
In addition, with the Assistance Vehicle you will always have your luggage close by, in case you need to pick up (or leave) some clothes, since you will be there several times during the day. The Assistance Vehicle also carries several tools and some of the most common spare parts. And if at any stage you have problems continuing to ride, don’t worry; you can get in the Assistance Vehicle and continue on the road. Finally, keep in mind that in the 6-day proposal, you can finish in Cañada del Hoyo and, with the van, take a couple of drivers to pick up the vehicle in Cuenca (about 25 km away).
With comfortable accommodations, tasting the local cuisine, this proposal will NOT disappoint you.
In any case, for most clients, Trans Cuenca 6 Days Assisted Tour is the best option if an Assistance Vehicle is hired.
Entonces, Trans Cuenca. Por tanto, Cuenca en Btt. Así pues, Cuenca en MTB. Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca.
Day 1. Cuenca.
Arrival in Cuenca. Accommodation in a beautiful H**, in the center of Cuenca. Dinner at leisure (not included). If there is time, a quick visit to the city is recommended. You can walk around the old town, separated from the current core, where the famous “Casas Colgadas” are located.
Por tanto, Cuenca Btt. Así pues, Cuenca en MTB. Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca. Entonces, Trans Cuenca.
Day 2. Cuenca – Uña.
53.37 km 1,016 m accumulated elevation gain.
After breakfast, leave Cuenca heading north, parallel to the Júcar (Júcar). You then follow the path on the other side of the river that passes by the ruined hermitage of San Juan de la Ribera but soon reach the junction of the CM-2104 with the CM-2105.
As soon as you leave the asphalt, the 14 km stretch of track begins to Villalba de la Sierra, a small town with less than 500 inhabitants, known for the Ventano del Diablo (Devil’s Window). A beautiful viewpoint over the closed Júcar gorge, 3 km from the town. It is the first wonder of the day.
The route continues by road and you follow a stretch along an easy path that goes down a good stretch of road to another very easy path, which connects with the Uña track.
This is a good, wide and easy-to-do trail that starts by climbing up the first 3.5 km (the other 4 are much flatter) through the wonderful Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park. Finally, it comes out onto the road almost at the entrance to the Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City). A unique set of rocks and varied natural geological formations; outside of Cuenca city, the most visited tourist attraction in the province. The visit is 3 km long and its entrance (6€) is not included in the price. In addition, there is a good restaurant opposite….
Afternoon
At the exit, there is a path towards the Uña viewpoint, where you can see the pretty village on the other side of the valley at the foot of a small lake. And there the route leads down paths and trails in the middle of a landscape of extensive pastures and huge forests… filled with roe deer, deer and fallow deer. It is another hunting reserve, as in almost all the forests in the area. Once agriculture has been abandoned, hunting is the main resource. Pedaling in silence, it is easy to see a deer, a roe deer… or even a small herd.
Finally, Uña. Accommodation in a rather peculiar establishment located right in front of the pretty lake. It should be said that this is a lake where the accumulation of trout is so high that they are often seen jumping. Dinner, included. End of the 2nd stage of the Trans Cuenca 6 days Assisted Tour.
Así pues, Cuenca en MTB. Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca. Entonces, Trans Cuenca. Por tanto, Cuenca Btt.
Day 3. Uña – Vega del Codorno.
55.30 km 1,350 m accumulated elevation gain + 2.3 km walking (Callejones de las Majadas) + 1.5 km walking (Source of the Rio Cuervo)
After breakfast, you have to leave Uña on a PR along a not very clickable path of almost 1 km that goes up through a beautiful forest. It takes 30 minutes to push the bike because the terrain is stony, although the slope is not excessive. But the effort is rewarded, the route goes up to the cliff along a beautiful path that goes around the lake of Uña. It is a magnificent ride, with several impressive viewpoints and even a stretch of wonderful forest… It really is worth it!
After 8 km the path leaves the beautiful cliff and goes up and down between oak and pine forests. After the Torrente de la Madera, the path becomes a wide track that soon reaches the Mirador del Tío Cogote, where a spectacular aqueduct can be seen. But the track continues towards Los Callejones de Las Majadas, for many, the replica (AND BETTER: quieter, less touristy and geologically more interesting) of the Enchanted City. It is a 3.5 km route that runs through a unique landscape between large blocks of stone and curious geological formations… A marvel! It is better not to do it on a bicycle (but on foot), because while enjoying the surroundings you cannot keep an eye on the terrain and it is easy to have an “incident”.
Afternoon
On leaving, the Trans Cuenca 6 days Assisted Tour takes you in the direction of Las Majadas (there are several bars and restaurants), but it does not go in, but rather goes into the “depth” of the Serranía de Cuenca. Thus, it crosses from south to north from Las Majadas to Rincón del Cuervo. In fact, the route goes around the Parque Cinegético Forestal del Hosquillo, considered the essence of the landscapes and geography of the Sierra de Cuenca. It is a CLOSED reserve with a great diversity of wild animals (from bones to foxes, roe deer, deer,…). Unfortunately, due to this park, the road from Las Majadas to Rincón del Cuervo has recently been paved.
Arriving at Rincón del Cuervo, the Trans Cuenca 6 days Assisted Tour takes a small stretch of road to enter the Nacimiento del Rio Cuervo. It should be said that it is the first of the 3 sources that appear in the vicinity of the Serranía de Cuenca. In this case, the Cuervo is a tributary of the Guadiela that feeds the Tajo. The route cannot be done on a bike (but it can be done with a bike) because a good part of the route is on wooden crossings… often wet. Whatever the case, it is a spectacular place, with several wetlands.
Now, there is only a short 3 km stretch left to the accommodation in Vega del Codorno, where you can enjoy a good dinner (included) in the same accommodation.
Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca. Entonces, Trans Cuenca. Por tanto, Cuenca Btt. Así pues, Cuenca en MTB.
Día 4. Vega del Codorno – Frías de Albarracín.
64.47 km 1,137 m accumulated elevation gain
This is the most mountainous stage of the Trans Cuenca 6 days Assisted Tour, entering the Montes Universales. And visiting the sources of the Tajo and Júcar, separated only by a ridge!!.
So, after breakfast, departure in a southerly direction along the Camino de las Acebeas towards Tragacete (do not enter, so as not to lengthen the route). The landscapes of this first one clearly recall the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, between beautiful black pine forests, boxwoods and some specimens of holly… Finally, the Estrecho de Sant Blas, where the Júcar river is born. In fact, you can continue 2 km further, to the Estrecho del Infierno…
Returning to the Estrecho de San Blas, the route must go around the Sierra de Valdeminguete. You have to walk 9 km of good track on the southern side (where the waters lead to the Júcar that dies in the Mediterranean) to reach a small stretch of road and turn around, towards the northern side, where the waters go to the Tajo (Atlantic). The track back on the north side is very wide and was possibly opened to extract firewood because the surface has the appearance of compacted gravel…
Since there are no restaurants in the vicinity, you can have a small picnic at a crossroads in the Alto Tajo. In fact, in the “Normal” option you will be given a picnic bag in Vega del Codorno. But in the “Assisted” option you will have a small meal.
Afternoon
On the bridge of the 3 provinces (Cuenca, Guadalajara and Teruel) you enter the Alto Tajo Natural Park, surrounded by a landscape of extensive pastures and wonderful forests. It is one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire route… and full of deer, roe deer and fallow deer…
When you reach the road, you have to follow the road for a few metres to find a beautiful path (signposted) that runs parallel to the Tajo River. It is an impressive stretch of almost 7 km, between extensive meadows, small groves, in a wonderful natural environment, which ends at the source of the Tajo River. The route has been leaving Cuenca behind and entering the province of Teruel (about 5 km). Be that as it may, Empty Spain in an exceptional corner, between wetlands, streams, in the Montes Universales.
From here the route heads towards Frías de Albarracín, first along a very good track to the Collado del Navazo and, secondly, along a downhill road. In Frias de Albarracín you will find dinner (included) and accommodation. Enjoy a well-deserved rest on the Trans Cuenca 6 days Assisted Tour.
Entonces, Trans Cuenca. Por tanto, Cuenca Btt. Así pues, Cuenca en MTB. Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca.
Day 5. Frías de Albarracín – Cañete.
67.24 km 957 m accumulated elevation gain
A much easier stage, given that a good part of it is downhill! From the High Serranía, at more than 1,500 m. high, to the Lower Serranía, at just over 1,000 m. high, and with a great diversity of landscapes, in a stage with small villages…
After breakfast, the route leads to the first hole (or circular sinkhole) of the twenty that there are in the Trans Cuenca: the Sima de Frías de Albarracín. But to leave the asphalt, you follow an old road (totally destroyed) that joins the main road, to soon come out onto a good track. And link up with the GR 10.1, given that the route follows a good part of the GR del Tajo.
This is how you enter the Montes Universales, a landscape of large mountain ranges and extensive forests, which you do not cross transversely, but longitudinally. You roll easily through the large plains at the bottom of the valleys, with thick forests on the slopes. You just have to climb and cross the crest to leave one valley and enter the other. Like in the Loma Rasa, which when you go over it, you return to Cuenca (leaving Teruel) and to the waters of the Júcar (Mediterranean). A stretch of barren land and numerous junipers that surprises among the large, green pastures at the bottom of the valley. Kilometers and kilometers of nothing, forests and mountains. The Spain that has been emptied!!
Thus, the route, generally downhill, of more than 18 km, runs through a good part of the Serranía de Cuenca, to Zafrilla, entering through the Roman Bridge.
Zafrilla; Empty Spain. Nowadays it is a town of 53 inhabitants (2 inhabitants per km2) when in 1910 it had almost 1,000 inhabitants!!.
Afternoon
The landscape continues to change, descending in altitude, reaching Salinas del Manzano, 20 km away. Located in the “Serranía Baja”, the Romans already exploited the Natural Salt Mines. And this is another case similar to Zafrilla: historically it was important but currently it only has 73 inhabitants, half of whom are over 60 years old. Empty Spain.
There are still 10 km to Cañete. You continue along the bottom of the valley, on the other side of the Henarubia river, through a much more Mediterranean landscape of the Serranía Baja, with peaks of less than 1,300 metres…
Cañete surprises, because it still preserves a good part of the walls, the enormous castle and some of the city’s portals. Originating during the Bronze Age, it was one of the most important in the area (you only have to see the walls and remains of the castle). Cañete has its charm and is well preserved. In 1940 it had more than 1,800 inhabitants. Now there are less than 800; in 80 years it has lost more than 1,000… Also, the large number of sculptures in memory of the locals is surprising; women cleaning clothes by the river (by the way, near a beautiful waterfall), the Holy Week procession,…
The accommodation in Cañete is magnificent, in a good Hostal Restaurante. There you can dine (included) on typical local dishes.
Además, Trans Cuenca. Por tanto, Cuenca Btt. Así pues, Cuenca en MTB. Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca.
Day 6. Cañete – Cañada del Hoyo – Cuenca.
66,38 km 1.026 m desnivel acumulado.
The longest stage, but quite flat.
And it begins with the steepest climb of the entire route (passing through where there was an Iberian village), but it is already the last day and it is still cool at first light…
The descent is along a fairly broken track. Throughout the Trans Cuenca, you will not find any path with water drainage! At the bottom of the valley, the route joins a stream, becoming a bed that is less and less suitable for cycling. Therefore, you leave the main track and climb to the top of a hill (a goat pasture area) that goes down to Pajaroncillo. Barely 60 inhabitants and with the appearance of a very, very “old” town.
From there, continue towards Pajarón, which at the beginning of the 20th century had more than 400 inhabitants and now there are about 70… In fact, in a desolate landscape of the Lower Serranía of Cuenca, on a fairly barren land, Pajarón was the centre of an important battle in the 13th century between the Castilian troops and the Catalan-Aragonese (victors) in the period when the “limits” of both kingdoms were being established. The tower of the imposing castle can still be seen…
But the route continues westwards, towards Cuenca through the Lower Serranía towards a great tourist attraction: the Natural Monument of Las Lagunas de Cañada del Hoyo. A group of approximately 15 circular chasms, of which 7 are filled with rainwater. Some are private and not always open to visitors. The route visits 3 or 4… highly recommended, like Laguna de la Gitana. There are some tables with benches there… But if you don’t bring food, you can go down 3 km to Cañada del Hoyo to eat.
Afternoon
You have to go back up the last 2.5 km to continue the route (if you have gone down to Cañada del Hoyo). After crossing a beautiful forest with several characteristic pines to enter Las Torcas de los Palancares. A set of 24 holes or sinkholes, all duly referenced and catalogued. It is a curious natural phenomenon that occurs in calcareous soils (calcium carbonate) due to karst erosion that dissolves it with the chemical reaction of rainwater, based on thousands of years. Another of the great attractions of Cuenca!. You can see very large chasms, some tiny ones… How beautiful is the Trans Cuenca 6 days Assisted Tour!
There are only 11 km left, almost all downhill, until Cañada del Hoyo. You will have plenty of time to get to Cuenca with the van and pick up the vehicles.
For an optional supplement, you can have dinner, sleep and the next day, have breakfast in a beautiful accommodation (surprising in a village like this) with very, very comfortable rooms in Cañada del Hoyo.
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Por tanto, Cuenca Btt. Así pues, Cuenca en MTB. Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca. Además, Trans Cuenca.
END OF THE ROUTE
Por tanto, Cuenca Btt. Así pues, Cuenca en MTB. Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca. Además, Trans Cuenca.
INCLUDES:
- 6 Half-board accommodations (except for Cuenca accommodation, first day; bed and breakfast).
- Lunch at midday on stage Day 4. Vega del Codorno – Frías de Albarracín, with Picnic Bag (since there is no place to eat along the entire route)
- Support/assistance vehicle, with the transport of luggage, various tools and spare parts. The vehicle meets the group at the crossing points with roads and other paved points.
- Tracks (in TRK and GPX format) and maps of the route.
- Mandatory Insurance.
Así pues, Cuenca en MTB. Finalmente Ruta MTB Cuenca. Además, Trans Cuenca. Por tanto, Cuenca Btt.
NO INCLUDES:
- Last day accommodation in Cuenca (optional, with a supplement).
- Snacks, shots, liquors, various drinks and other extras not included in the establishments’ menus.
Cancellation insurance (optional, with a supplement). - Tickets for visits and other activities.
- Everything not detailed in the INCLUDES.